Former Defence Forces Chief of Staff takes up prestigious EU military position
This is the moment the former chief of staff of the Defence Forces took over as the European Union's top military advisor.
Lieutenant-General Sean Clancy officially became the EU's Military Committee Chairman at a ceremony in Brussels on Wednesday
He took over from General Robert Brieger, the former head of the Austrian Armed Forces, who held the post since 2022.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas also attended the ceremony.
Lt-Gen Clancy, a career Air Corps officer, had been Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces since late 2021.
The former helicopter pilot was late last year elected as the next head of the Military Committee – the first Irish officer to hold the prestigious position.
That body is the highest military outfit in the EU. It is the forum for military consultation and cooperation between the EU Member States in the field of conflict prevention and crisis management.
It directs all military activities within the EU framework and gives military advice and recommendations to European Union leaders.
Lt-Gen Clancy has been replaced as Chief of Staff by Brigadier General Rossa Mulcahy.
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